Section 250-RICR-80-00-1.19 - Vessel Registration Numbering and Display of NumbersA. Applicability This section applies to all vessels required to be registered and numbered under R.I. Gen. Laws Chapter 46-22 used on the waters subject to the jurisdiction of this state.
B. Prohibition No person may operate a vessel unless it meets the requirements of §§ 1.19(C) and (D) of this Part unless exempted from numbering and registration under R.I. Gen. Laws Chapter 46-22.
C. Position of Vessel Numbers and Registration Decal 1. The registration numbers assigned to a vessel must be placed on said vessel. These numbers must be at least three inches high; must be of a contrasting color to the background upon which they are placed; must be painted or attached to each side of the forward half of the vessel and so positioned to read from left to right and be distinctly visible and legible except as allowed by § 1.19(D) of this Part. In addition to the registration number, each registered vessel must display the assigned registration decal to be affixed within three inches to the right of the registration number. No other numbers and only current decals shall be displayed. The numbers and decal must be displayed so that there is a space between the prefix (state abbreviation), four numerals, the suffix (letter or letters) and the decal. The width of the space between each must be at least the width of a numeral or letter other than 1 or I.D. Exemptions 1. When a vessel is used by a manufacturer or by a dealer for testing or demonstrating, the registration number may be painted on or attached to removable plates that are temporarily but firmly attached to each side of the forward half of the vessel.2. When a vessel is so configured that a registration number on the hull or superstructure would not be easily visible, the registration number must be painted on a backing plate that is attached to the forward half of the vessel so that the number is visible from each side of the vessel.3. When a vessel has been documented by the U.S. Coast Guard, the vessel must follow federal laws and regulations with regards to the display of documentation numbers, and the assigned registration decals must be placed on each side of the forward half of the vessel where the decals are distinctly visible. It is acceptable for a documented vessel to place the registration decal in an area other than the hull of the vessel. For example, a window or the windshield may be used.E. Certificate of Number (Registration) required on Board A valid certificate of number (registration) or temporary registration must be on board the vessel whenever the owner or any person authorized by the owner is aboard, except that a rental boat may carry a rental agreement in lieu of the certificate. Each person using a vessel to which this rule applies shall present the certificate of numbers (registration) to any federal, state or local enforcement officer for inspection at his or her request.
250 R.I. Code R. 250-RICR-80-00-1.19
Amended effective 4/2/2023